Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the latest Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that today’s most promising opportunities in the gaming market lie with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need to manage the business side of operations does not disappear. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes says.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and marketing. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen is still crucial." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of focused industry programming. Hammes believes that aligning the two events more closely offers tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike.
"The case for integrating more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he notes. "We now have a powerful, well‑established partner, which brings a host of practical advantages. For example, ticketing is now unified – instead of juggling two separate conferences, two ticket types, and two purchase processes, participants can buy a single ticket and access everything from Monday through Friday.
It simplifies the experience and makes the whole week feel like a cohesive Gamescom business week." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured solely by numbers. "It shouldn’t be a numbers game," he emphasizes. "We’re not chasing arbitrary attendance targets.
It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the market is becoming more specialized." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, there is limited room for further expansion. He suggests that if the industry continues its rapid growth, the event may eventually need to move closer to the main Gamescom grounds or secure a larger facility. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would require a physical move nearer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we’re keeping under review," he explains.
"If the democratization of game development continues – with more indie and micro‑studios entering the market – we’ll need additional space to serve that broader community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit that runs behind the scenes. "We’re separate organizations, each with our own goals and revenue models, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat," he says.
"The industry is like a global circus – in a good way – where professionals travel from one conference to another. Success for one event usually signals health for the whole ecosystem. We’re aware that GDC is facing some operational challenges due to external factors, and we hope those issues improve soon. When all conferences thrive, the entire industry benefits." A notable new feature on this year’s agenda is the Leadership Summit series.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the games market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes explains. "When we opened the first summit, we asked how many attendees had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news, and again, everyone raised their hand.
The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we wanted a safe space where they could be candid about the difficulties they face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. "How do we reconcile that? It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "My take is that neither is entirely accurate.
When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we don’t expect technology alone to rescue us. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set clear visions, and help everyone adapt." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership—more than any single technology—is seen as the critical factor for navigating the future.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central hub for both creative and business education positions it to support the next wave of game developers, from solo creators to emerging indie teams, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to thrive in a rapidly changing market.